Dr Know fixes a reader’s VFR800
Got a problem with your bike? MCN’s mechanical medic is on call to help. This week he turns his attention to James Savery’s 21,000-mile Honda
MCN’s Bruce Dunn (Dr Know to his patients) has been working with bikes for over 30 years, fixing, riding and competing on machines of all shapes and sizes. His depth of knowledge is unrivalled and he’s here to give ailing bikes an all-round healthcheck.
This week, our resident bike whisperer has James Savery’s 1998 Honda VFR800 in for a thorough examination. James uses the VFR for his regular commute across Cambridge, which means it has now clocked up over 21,000 miles. All service intervals have been done by the book though, meaning it has had very few problems.
“There have only been three issues with the bike since I’ve owned it,” admits James. “The first thing was warped brake discs. I eventually got these replaced with the original Honda parts because the price was about the same as pattern ones. “I then started to notice the ride comfort was a bit wallowy, especially if I started to go a bit faster. This was helped when I replaced the shock with a YSS unit, but it still wallows when I up the pace. Other than that, I’ve replaced a couple of bulbs and it’s been fine.” Even with a bike as dependable as the VFR though, there are still a few areas that James would like the doctor to examine: “The VFR’s been good, but I’d like Dr Know’s opinion on how to get rid of the corrosion on the right-hand clutch cover and the other is my choice of tyres. And, I’m always keen to improve my machine to keep it in top nick.”
See right for details on how to book an appointment, so that you can have a summer of problem-free motorcycling.
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